Gmail video chat becomes Google+ Hangout

Google has taken yet another step toward meshing Google+ features with other apps and services today, announcing the end of Google Video Chat for Gmail. Available immediately, the experience works across all Gmail users, not just for those who use Google+. Of course, there are different experiences to be had if you use both services, such as collaboration on documents, watching YouTube together, and more.

All Gmail users will benefit from this upgrade, but if you and the person you’re chatting with also use Google+, you’ll get even more from the Hangouts experience. You’ll be able to video chat with up to nine people at once, watch YouTube videos together, collaborate on Google documents and share your screen. Plus, Hangouts has a bunch of fun effects that you can try out…because any conversation is better when you’re wearing a virtual mustache or pirate hat.

In addition to smartphones and mobile gadgets, Scott has a deep appreciation for film, music, and sunflower seeds. A husband and father, he likes spending down time riding his mountain bike or binge-watching TV. Scott has overseen the day-to-day activities of AndroidGuys since 2007.